Intel CEO Brian Krzanich's Ouster Proves CEOs Aren't Above the Rules

Or maybe not, if now former Intel Corp. (INTC) Chief Executive Officer Brian Krzanich serves as an example. The CEO stepped aside from Intel this week after copping to a past consensual relationship with an Intel employee. Intel has long had a no-fraternization policy between employees.

Intel shares were hit by the news on Thursday, falling as much as about 4% at session lows. Investors were right to voice their disappointment by submitting sell orders.

"One of the first, if not the first, way investors and consumers judge businesses is by the quality of their management. A CEO who has fallen from grace and made poor personal choices erodes the credibility of the company, especially a public company," said Scott Sobel, SVP of crisis and litigation communications at kglobal. "And a loss in confidence translates into falling stocks, business orders, consumer support and other key measurables."

It's not to say that pursuing a romantic relationship in the workplace is terrible, so long as it is within a company's rules. After all, a 2015 study from Mic found that more people met their significant other at work than they did online. But when that relationship breaches a company's standards and rules, it becomes inappropriate and a risk to investors (especially when it involves the CEO).

"Often CEOs feel they're impervious to their own workplace policies, particularly around dating," said Jonathan Alpert, a Manhattan psychotherapist who has worked with C-level executives. "Their mentality might be that they're above the law, so to speak."

"Never underestimate the power of sex," said Dr. Gilda Carle, a relationship expert and corporate performance coach. "It's happened from companies to the White House and throughout history. The rules against fraternization are in place because of the skewed judgment that occurs when sex colors the bottom line," Carle said.

Krzanich isn't the only high-profile CEO to feel as though they were above the rules.

Priceline (PCLN) CEO Darren Huston resigned in 2016 after having an improper relationship with an employee. The CEO "engaged in activities inconsistent" with Priceline's code of conduct.

Former Best Buy Co. Inc. (BBY) CEO Brian Dunn was found to be in an "extremely close personal relationship with a female employee that negatively impacted the work environment." A Best Buy audit committee wrote in April 2012, "During one four-day and one five-day trip abroad during 2011, the CEO contacted the female employee by cell phone at least 224 times, including 33 phone calls, 149 text messages, and 42 picture or video messages."

Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) CEO-elect Christopher Kubasik resigned from his position after a "close relationship with a subordinate employee" in 2012.

And there's Boeing Co. (BA) , where both former CEO Philip Condit and his predecessor Harry Stonecipher were ousted within 18 months of one another following scandals involving affairs with employees. Stonecipher was romantically involved with the company's VP of operations, Debra Peabody, in 2005.

Will the situation at Intel mark the end of the big-name CEO getting caught red-handed? Only time will tell. But any CEO should realize today's environment means more eyes on the actions of the C-suite than ever before. So, act accordingly.

"The reality, in the day and age of the #MeToo movement is that they are actually held to a higher standard. And companies more than ever have a zero tolerance policy, even with the people at the top," Alpert said. "Examples are being made out of top brass."